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President Obama Issues Message on Pollution Prevention (P2) Week

Last week, during National Pollution Prevention Week, September 19-25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. Since its introduction, the Act has served as the foundation for efforts that have significantly reduced pollution at its source -- helping to protect children and families from the risks of exposure to pollutants, as well as reducing the amount of pollutants released into the environment.

During P2 Week, the Agency highlighted the success of EPA programs such as Energy Star, WaterSense, EPEAT and DfE, which have collectively helped save billions of dollars, preserve precious resources, reduce waste and the use of toxic chemicals, and protect public and environmental health. In light of these successes, Administrator Jackson urged the public to recommit to P2 and take steps every day to reduce their ecological footprint. EPA promoted easy, every day actions that we all can take to ensure the continued success of P2 through three webinars, radio clips, and educational materials.

At the end of P2 Week, President Obama issued a Presidential Message expressing his support for P2 efforts, affirming the Administration’s commitments to clean energy and water infrastructure, green jobs and reduced dependence on foreign oil. The President also urged the public to support these, saying that: “Together, we can work to create a cleaner, safer world for our children and grandchildren to inherit.”

For additional information on Pollution Prevention and a copy of the Presidential Message, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/p2/.